System and method for modular ride vehicles

ABSTRACT

A system includes a plurality of ride vehicle modules, where each of the plurality of ride vehicle modules includes an interlock system configured to perform linking operations to join to other ride vehicle modules to form a cluster and delinking operations to separate from the other ride vehicle modules throughout a ride, control circuitry configured to control the interlock system and movement of the respective ride vehicle module independently or as a part of the cluster, and communication circuitry configured to wirelessly communicate with the other ride vehicle modules internal and/or external to the cluster. The cluster may change sizes throughout the ride by performing linking and delinking operations as desired. A method for changing the size of clusters of ride vehicle modules throughout a ride is also disclosed.

BACKGROUND

Ride vehicles in amusement parks, carnivals, and the like, are generallyutilized to securely carry one or more passengers throughout the courseof a ride. There are numerous kinds of ride vehicles that are designedfor particular kinds of rides. For example, roller coasters includetracks to which the ride vehicles attach and traverse, simulators mayentail a ride vehicle being attached to a motion base system and includea simulation display, and water rides may include a ride vehicle withflotation capabilities, to name a few. Typical ride vehicles eitherinclude separate and distinct vehicles or integral ride vehicles coupledtogether (e.g., a train of cars on fixed tracks).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimedsubject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intendedto limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments areintended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosedembodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety offorms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forthbelow.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure a systemincludes a plurality of ride vehicle modules, where each of theplurality of ride vehicle modules includes an interlock systemconfigured to perform linking operations to join to other ride vehiclemodules to form a cluster and delinking operations to separate from theother ride vehicle modules throughout a ride, control circuitryconfigured to control the interlock system and movement of therespective ride vehicle module independently or as a part of thecluster, and communication circuitry configured to wirelesslycommunicate with the other ride vehicle modules internal and/or externalto the cluster. The cluster is configured to change sizes throughout theride by performing linking and delinking operations as desired via thecontrol circuitry of each of the plurality of ride vehicle modulescontrolling its interlock system and via the communication circuitrycoordinating the operations between the plurality of ride vehiclemodules.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure a systemincludes a plurality of ride vehicle modules configured to synchronouslyjoin to each other in a cluster via any interlock system installed onone or more sides of each modular ride vehicle. The plurality of ridevehicle modules in the cluster is configured to move in unison as oneuniform ride vehicle via onboard control and communication circuitry,and to change sizes by linking other ride vehicle modules or delinkingfrom previously joined ride vehicle modules throughout a ride.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure a methodincludes determining, via control circuitry, the desired size of one ormore clusters of ride vehicle modules throughout a ride, setting, viacontrol circuitry and communication circuitry, the size of the one ormore clusters, and performing, via control circuitry configured tocontrol an interlock system installed on each of the ride vehiclemodules and communication circuitry configured to communicate betweenthe ride vehicle modules, linking and delinking operations via theinterlock systems based on the set size of the one or more clustersthroughout the ride.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1F include a set of schematic diagrams of embodiments of auniform ride vehicle that may separate into numerous smaller ridevehicle modules, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of numerous ride vehiclemodules linked and operating as a uniform ride vehicle, in accordancewith the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of ride vehicle circuitry, in accordance withthe present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A-4D include a set of perspective views of embodiments ofconcealing the connection between ride vehicle modules, in accordancewith the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5A-5H include a set of perspective views of embodiments of aninterlock system utilized during the linking operations, in accordancewith the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B include perspective views of an embodiment of anairplane ride vehicle and its delinking features in accordance with thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 7A and 7B include perspective views of an embodiment of a movietheater ride vehicle and its delinking features in accordance with thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 8A-8C include a set of top views of embodiments of ride vehiclemodules configuring cluster size by performing linking and delinkingoperations during the course of a ride, in accordance with the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a process for configuring a cluster size of a ride vehicleduring a ride, in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Presently disclosed embodiments are directed to systems and methods forconfiguring cluster sizes of a plurality of ride vehicle modules byperforming linking and delinking operations during the course of a ride.The clustered ride vehicle modules may form a unified vehicle that canbe rearranged into various modular subsets (e.g., intermediate vehicles)to achieve desired ride effects (e.g., the illusion of a single vehiclebeing broken into parts in stages). In particular, presently disclosedembodiments are directed to systems and methods of physically and/orvirtually linking and delinking ride vehicle modules. The modularity ofthe ride vehicles may refer to their composition of separate units,which will be described in detail below, for flexible arrangement andconfiguration in various sized clusters, herein. The modular ridevehicles may travel either synchronously or asynchronously in thevarious sized clusters or as individual unit modules. At the start of aride, the ride vehicle modules may be essentially seamlessly linked byan interlock system in a way that they appear as one uniform ridevehicle. In other words, patrons may get the impression that they areentering one completely integral and unified ride vehicle, when in factit is a cluster of a plurality of ride vehicle modules linked together.Indeed, based on the way the ride vehicle modules are linked, thepatrons may not even realize that the uniform ride vehicle is enabled toseparate into smaller clusters of ride vehicle modules.

Further, in some embodiments, when the ride vehicle modules arephysically joined together in a cluster, they may also be electronicallyand communicatively coupled. That is, ride vehicle circuitry (e.g.,control and communication circuitry) may enable joined ride vehiclemodules to perform actions in unison as a single uniform ride vehicle.In some embodiments, each individual ride vehicle module may beconnected to a motion base system that enables performing actions inunison with other ride vehicle modules in a cluster, as instructed.Additionally, when a ride vehicle module is delinked from a cluster, itmay operate or perform actions independently by utilizing its controlcircuitry (e.g., processor) to control its attached motion base system.For example, each ride vehicle module may include an automationcontroller (e.g., a programmable logic controller) and this controllermay coordinate with other controllers of other ride vehicle modules(e.g., designating a primary controller and subservient secondarycontrollers) when the vehicle modules are clustered to achieve unifiedmotion of the whole cluster or unified modular ride vehicle. It shouldbe noted that the ride vehicle modules may refer to automated guidedvehicles (AGV), which may be defined as mobile vehicles enabled tofollow predetermined paths, move with six degrees of freedom (e.g.,roll, pitch, yaw, surge, heave, and sway), and link to and delink fromother similar AGVs, herein.

To illustrate, in a certain embodiment, the patrons may enter a modularairplane ride vehicle, which may appear to be one large unified ridevehicle simulator. When the airplane takes off in its simulation, thecontrol and communication circuitry may instruct the ride vehiclemodules at the front of the uniform airplane ride vehicle to pitch upand the ride vehicle modules at the back of the uniform airplane ridevehicle to pitch down. However, during the course of flight simulation,the plane may simulate a crash by breaking apart the plurality of ridevehicle modules, for example, splitting across the middle of theairplane. Thereafter, the front half of the airplane ride vehicle (e.g.,a first subset of vehicle modules of the initial modular assembly) mayturn and begin moving down one path in the ride, while the back half ofthe airplane ride vehicle (e.g., a second subset of the vehicle modulesof the initial modular assembly) may turn and begin moving down anotherpath in the ride. Each half or intermediate cluster (the respectivecluster of vehicle modules) of the airplane ride vehicle may act as auniform ride vehicle in unison under the control of respectiveprocessors (e.g., processors of automation controllers) in communicationwith one another. Also, each path may provide a different story and/ormovements so a patron may obtain numerous different experiences duringsubsequent rides.

Further down the ride, either or both halves of the initial cluster,which in this example was a complete airplane, may experience an eventthat causes another delinking of ride vehicle modules into smallerintermediate clusters. The ride vehicle cluster size may continue toshrink in size until desired. Indeed, the breaking apart may continueuntil all ride vehicle modules are separated so individual patrons orsubsets of patrons are experiencing a portion of the ride alone. Then,as the ride approaches the end, or the patrons have exited their ridevehicle module, the ride vehicle modules may reconnect by performinglinking operations to reestablish the initial cluster. This may enablepreparing the initial airplane ride vehicle for the next group ofpatrons that wish to experience the ride. It should be noted that theairplane was used as an example ride vehicle and not meant to limit thisdisclosure. As may be appreciated, seamlessly joined ride vehiclesmodules that appear as a single ride vehicle, which are further enabledto unexpectedly split apart, may enhance a patrons experience byproviding surprise and more than one experience depending on where thepatron is initially sitting.

Turning first to FIG. 1A-1F, a set of schematic diagrams is shown ofembodiments of a uniform ride vehicle that may separate into numeroussmaller ride vehicle modules. Beginning with FIG. 1A, a uniform ridevehicle 10 is described that may include four individual ride vehiclemodules 12, 14, 16, and 18 and a barrier (e.g., wall and/or ceiling) 20.Each of the four individual ride vehicle modules 12, 14, 16, and 18 mayinclude a plurality of seats 22. The barrier 20 may include one or moreentrance ways 24 to and one or more exit ways 26 from the uniform ridevehicle 10. It should be noted that although four individual ridevehicle modules are shown, the present disclosure enables any number ofride vehicle modules being linked to form a uniform ride vehicle 10.Indeed, in some embodiments, each individual seat 22 is a part of itsown individual ride vehicle module. Thus, if a uniform ride vehicle 10includes twenty-five seats, it may include twenty-five individual ridevehicle modules, and so forth.

As illustrated, the individual ride vehicle modules 12, 14, 16, and 18may be linked together and surrounded by the barrier 20 to appear as oneuniform ride vehicle 10, instead of four separate ride vehicle modules.The individual ride vehicle modules may be four sided and may link withone another on any of the four sides. That is, the ride vehicle modulesmay link front-to-back and/or side-to-side with other ride vehiclemodules. As described in detail below, the ride vehicle modules may linktogether in a number of ways utilizing an interlock system. In addition,the ride vehicle modules may include on-board simulators, motion basesystems, a traction system (e.g., tires, treads, etc.) for drivingand/or connecting to a track, floatation capabilities (e.g., raft), adriving system for driving and/or propelling the ride vehicle module, anavigation system, a suspension system, ride vehicle circuitry forcontrolling the ride vehicle module and communicating with other ridevehicle modules, among others.

In some embodiments, the uniform ride vehicle 10 may be an airplane andthe ride vehicles modules 12, 14, 16, and 18 may be different sectionsof the airplane separated by walkways that disguise the connectionsbetween the ride vehicles. In another embodiment, the uniform ridevehicle 10 may represent a movie theater, and the ride vehicles modules12, 14, 16, and 18 may be different sections of the theater separated bywalkways that disguise the connections between the ride vehicle modules.In any embodiment, the disclosed techniques enable arranging a pluralityof individual ride vehicle modules together into a uniform ride vehicle10 that appears as though it is one integrated vehicle. Also, asdescribed in detail below, in certain embodiments, the ride vehiclemodules may be connected to motion base systems that are controlled bycontrol circuitry and communication circuitry included in the ridevehicle modules. As such, the motion base systems may be controlledtogether to move (e.g., pitch, roll, vibrate, surge, heave, and sway)the uniform ride vehicle 10, which is made up of ride vehicle modules,as one integrated unit.

During the course of the ride, the uniform ride vehicle 10 may betriggered to split apart (e.g., perform delinking operations) bycomputer instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable medium(e.g., memory), received signals from a control system located remotelyfrom the ride vehicle, fixed tracks, or the like. In some embodiments,the trigger may be in response to an event occurring in the ride such asa simulated crash, explosion, natural disaster, dinosaur/animal attack,and so forth. As a result, FIG. 1B describes an embodiment of theuniform ride vehicle 10 performing delinking operations to split (e.g.the jagged lines 32 represent the vertical splitting apart) into twodifferent intermediate uniform ride vehicles 28 and 30. As depicted, theintermediate uniform ride vehicles were split vertically, however, sincethe ride vehicle modules are enabled to link on any of their four sides,the split may be performed horizontally, as well. It should be notedthat the barrier 20 surrounding the ride vehicle modules 12, 14, 16, and18 may utilize the techniques described herein to break apart in amanner similar to the ride vehicle modules. In some embodiments, acontainment system may be utilized to restrain patrons physically sothat they are separated from any breakaway zones. Further, the breakawayzones may be spaced far enough away from the patrons' seats to avoidobstructions when linking.

The intermediate uniform ride vehicles 28 and 30 each represent acluster of two individual ride vehicle modules. Specifically, theintermediate uniform ride vehicle 28 includes ride vehicle modules 12and 18, and the intermediate uniform ride vehicle 30 includes ridevehicle modules 14 and 16. Accordingly, the intermediate uniform ridevehicle 28 may function as a single integrated ride vehicle by operatingride vehicle modules 12 and 18 in unison via utilization of theircontrol circuitry and communication circuitry. The same may be true forthe intermediate uniform ride vehicle 30 and its linked ride vehiclemodules 14 and 16.

As previously mentioned, the ride vehicle modules may perform linkingand delinking operations on all four of their sides. It may be desirableto utilize this capability as a ride progresses to further reduce thecluster size(s) of the ride vehicle modules when certain events occur.To help illustrate, FIG. 1C describes the uniform ride vehicle 10 fromFIG. 1A delinking each individual ride vehicle module 12, 14, 16, and 18on two of their four sides. As may be seen, each individual ride vehiclemodule 12, 14, 16, and 18 is unfettered from the other ride vehiclemodules and may continue on its own path, experiencing a totallydifferent story and/or movements, which will be described in more detailbelow.

Accordingly, each individual ride vehicle module 12, 14, 16, and 18 maybe enabled to move independently. For example, FIG. 1D describes theride vehicle module 12 delinked from a uniform ride vehicle that isenabled to move forward and backward (arrows 36), side to side (arrows38), and turn right or left (arrows 40). It should be understood thatany uniform ride vehicles including a plurality of ride vehicle modules(e.g., 10, 28, and 30) may also be enabled to move in any direction asan integrated unit.

Further, the barrier (e.g., walls and/or ceiling) 20 that may beconnected to and surrounding the ride vehicle modules may be removed asthe ride progresses. As depicted in FIG. 1E, a portion of the barrier 20may be separated from the ride vehicle module 12. Removing the barrier20 may be desirable depending on the type of ride. For example, in aride where simulated dinosaurs attack a crashed plane and rip part ofthe wall or ceiling off, having barriers (e.g., walls and/or ceilings)20 or portions thereof that disconnect from each other and detach fromtheir respective vehicle modules may be beneficial. Indeed, barriers 20that may be removed may further enhance patrons' experiences andexcitement levels during the ride.

In some embodiments, the ceiling may be physically removed by a robot(e.g. a robot decorated to look like a dinosaur, giant, etc.) locatedwithin the ride, and the side wall of the ride vehicle may immediatelyretract underneath the ride vehicle. Alternatively, the side wall mayalso be removed by a robot. Additionally, in some embodiments, there maybe a transparent wall (e.g., acrylic glass) that remains in place afterthe wall is removed to avoid obstructions when reconnecting the walland/or containing any loose objects within the ride vehicle. In otherembodiments, a containment system may be utilized to physically restrainpatrons so that they are separated from any breakaway zones. This mayinclude using at least locking lap bars, overhead locking chest bars,seat belts, or any combination thereof.

As depicted in FIG. 1F, in some embodiments, the ride vehicle module 12may be an intermediate uniform ride vehicle and include a plurality ofseats 22, which may be attached to their own individual ride vehiclemodules 42. Thus, during the course of a ride the intermediate uniformride vehicle 12 may perform delinking operations to break apart as manytimes as desired until every single seat 22 and its ride vehicle module42 are operating independently. For example, a patron may end the ridefloating in a canoe (e.g., a cover that the ride vehicle module 42 linkswith during a portion of the ride) down a river alone. Thus, the ridevehicle modules may be moving asynchronously in different parts of theride. Indeed, in certain paths of the ride the ride vehicle modules maybe delinking in response to certain events, terrain, storylines, and soforth, and moving asynchronously, and in other paths the ride vehiclemodules may be moving synchronously and reconnecting in response tocertain events, terrain, storylines, and so forth. Further, in someembodiments, completely separate ride components may link with the ridevehicle modules. For example, during a dark part of the ride, the ridevehicle module 42 may link with a component that makes the ride vehiclemodule 42 change physical appearance (e.g., change from what appears tobe an airplane fragment to a canoe). As a result of the disclosedlinking operations and modular aspect of the ride vehicles, multipledifferent experiences may be provided in one ride, thereby encouragingpatrons to re-ride the attraction again.

To further illustrate aspects of the disclosure, FIG. 2 includes aperspective view of an embodiment of numerous ride vehicle modules 12,14, 16, and 18 linked and operating as a single uniform ride vehicle 10.As previously mentioned, the ride vehicle modules may be linked togetherphysically and/or virtually. The physical link may be enabled by aninterlock system, described below, or the like. The ride vehicle modulesmay be virtually linked through onboard ride vehicle circuitry (e.g.,communication, control, and/or sensor circuitry) that enables the ridevehicle modules to act in unison as the uniform ride vehicle 10. Thatis, the ride vehicle modules may coordinate movements to perform actionsas a single integrated unit. Indeed, the uniform ride vehicle 10 maykeep itself flat when pitching, rolling, and the like, by coordinatingthe movement of each linked ride vehicle module accordingly. Forexample, if the ride requires the uniform ride vehicle 10 to roll right,the ride vehicle modules on the right side of the uniform ride vehicle10 may tilt down and the ride vehicle modules on the left side of theuniform ride vehicle 10 may tilt up. The result may be the left edge ofthe uniform ride vehicle 10 being at the highest point and the rest ofthe uniform ride vehicle 10 sloping downward as a unified platform tothe lowest point on the right edge.

The integrated movement of the uniform ride vehicle 10 may be enabled bythe motion base systems 44 and a suspension system 45 attached to eachof the linked ride vehicle modules' platforms 46. The motion basesystems 44 may be controlled through ride vehicle circuitry included ineach ride vehicle module, which will be described in detail below. Theride vehicle circuitry may include computer instructions stored on atangible, non-transitory machine-readable medium (e.g., memory, storage)that are executed by control circuitry (e.g., processors) to direct theride vehicles to move as desired. Alternatively, the ride vehiclecircuitry may receive commands or instructions from a remote source,such as a control system located externally from the ride vehicle, todirect the ride vehicles to move as desired. For example, the ridevehicle modules 12, 14, 16, and 18 may communicate with each other sothat the right ride vehicle modules' motion base systems 44 andsuspension systems 45 angle their attached platforms 46 downward whilethe left ride vehicle modules' motion base systems 44 and suspensionsystems 45 simultaneously angle their attached platforms 46 upward tosimulate physical affects associated with a right turn at high speed.

Further, each ride vehicle module may include an onboard simulator (notshown) that provides visual display and audio. The motion base systems44 may be synchronized with the visual display and audio signals toprovide patrons with an immersive, seamless, and realistic experience.When the ride vehicle modules are linked as a uniform ride vehicle 10,the visual display and audio signals of each ride vehicle module may besynchronized so that the experience provided is integrated.Additionally, the suspension system 45 may be adaptive to react to thesimulators movements in order to provide a unified experience. Forexample, the suspension system 45 may utilize damping fluid in shockabsorbers that may be controlled by exciting fluids with a magnet. Themagnets may be programmed to react in time with the simulator to alterthe suspension at desired times. Also, the motion base systems 44 mayinclude a traction system (e.g., tires, treads) 48 that enable driving,connecting to a track, and/or the like. The motion base systems 44 mayenhance movement characteristics, such as velocity and acceleration,when the ride vehicle module is driven.

In another embodiment, the ride vehicle modules may not be attached tomotion base systems or include onboard simulators. Instead, these ridevehicle modules may be moved on and off various motion base systems andsimulators located throughout a ride. It should be noted that the ridevehicle modules that do not include motion base systems may stillperform linking operations and be enabled to configure cluster sizethroughout the course of the ride. Indeed, this embodiment of ridevehicle module may also include ride vehicle circuitry configured touniformly or independently control the ride vehicle modules andcommunicate with other ride vehicle modules, systems, and the like.

Since the uniform ride vehicles and/or ride vehicle modules may operatewithout a fixed track, a navigation system may be utilized to guidetheir movements by tracking their position and making adjustments asneeded. There are several embodiments of navigation systems that may beutilized to track the ride vehicle modules paths, including gyroscopic,wire-guided, and/or laser-guided navigation. Gyroscopic navigation maytrack the position of the ride vehicle modules by counting the number ofrevolutions its wheels complete. A benefit of using gyroscopicnavigation is that it enables a programmer to program the ride vehiclemodules' path easily to meet future course changes due to the lack of afixed track and landmarks needed to determine its location. Also, visionguidance may be utilized that includes stereo cameras along the ridevehicle modules that monitor the objects surrounding them and builds avirtual three-dimensional space to reference its position and controlits movement accordingly.

Additionally or alternatively, the wire-guided system can provideposition references of the ride vehicle modules along their path, or thelaser-guided system may reflect lasers off of reflective tape placedalong the path to reference the ride vehicle modules' position. In anyembodiment, there may be a plurality of sensors utilized to passpositional data back to control circuitry included in each of the ridevehicle modules. For example, the laser-guided system may include aturret attached to the ride vehicle module that emits lasers indifferent directions at various objects and the ride vehicle circuitrymay determine its location based on the distance measured from thoseobjects. This may provide the benefit of the ride vehicle modulesknowing the distance between one another in order to synchronizemovements to perform linking operations.

As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the ride vehicle modules12, 14, 16, and 18 may be driven around the trackless course. Thus, eachride vehicle module may include a drive system. There are severaldifferent embodiments of the drive system that may be utilized,including electric or hydraulic. In one embodiment, the electric drivesystem may utilize a number of motors to drive the ride vehicle module,and the motors may be asynchronous or synchronous. In anotherembodiment, the hydraulic system may be utilized that includes a liquidbased system. A benefit of using a hydraulic system is that it isself-lubricating and maintenance costs may be lower than using othertypes of drive systems. As mentioned above, when the ride vehiclemodules split apart, they may be enabled to drive and move (e.g., drive,pitch, roll, turn) independently due to their individually attachedmotion base systems 44, navigation system, ride vehicle circuitry, drivesystem, and traction system 48.

Further, in some embodiments, in order to power the ride vehicle moduleand any onboard components, such as ride vehicle circuitry, asimulator's audio and video display, and so forth, the ride vehiclemodule may include an onboard rechargeable battery. In one embodiment,the ride vehicle modules may include conductive receptors mounted on thebottom of the vehicles that may connect to inductive ground platesinstalled throughout the ride to recharge. In an alternative embodiment,a wireless recharge system may be utilized that includes a primary coilin a charge pad installed on the ground and a secondary coil in areceptor attached to the ride vehicle modules. The charge pad maytransmit electricity to the receptor when the charge pad and receptorare aligned to charge the battery.

Keeping this in mind, FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of variouscomponents that may be part of the ride vehicle circuitry 50 of eachride vehicle module and may be used to perform linking operations and tointegrate movements and/or simulations between ride vehicle modules,among other things. As shown, the ride vehicle circuitry 50 may includecommunication circuitry 52, a processor 54 (e.g., control circuitry),sensors 55, a memory 56, a storage 58, and the like. The communicationcircuitry 52 may be a wireless or wired communication component that mayfacilitate communication between the ride vehicle modules and othersystems (e.g., control systems) and/or devices. The communicationcircuitry 52 may meet industry standards, such as IEEE 802.11b/g. Forexample, when a uniform ride vehicle separates into differentintermediate clusters, the communication circuitry 52 may enable theride vehicle modules included in the intermediate clusters to coordinatelinking operations to reform as the uniform ride vehicle. Also, when theride vehicle modules are linked as a uniform ride vehicle, thecommunication circuitry 52 may enable operating as an integrated unit.The processor 54 may be any type of computer processor or microprocessorcapable of executing computer-executable code. In some embodiments, theprocessor 54 may be one or more microcontrollers.

In addition, there are several embodiments for the processor 54architecture. For example, in one embodiment, one central processor 54may directly process all data from the communication circuitry 52, thesensors 55, and so forth. In another embodiment, there may be aplurality of subsystems that each have a processor 54 that feeds data toa central processor 54 for more complex decisions. For example, thenavigation system may include a processor 54, the communicationcircuitry 52 may include a processor 54, the sensors 55 may include aprocessor 54, and so forth, that feeds data to a central processor 54.Utilizing a plurality of processors 54 may enable redundancies. Tocoordinate movements between linked ride vehicle modules, in oneembodiment, one linked ride vehicle module may be designated as themaster controller and the other linked ride vehicle modules may bedesignated as slaves. In this embodiment, the master's processor 54 mayrelay information related to the control of the entire cluster to theslaves via the communication circuitry 52, and the slaves' processors 54may determine how to react relative to their position in the cluster tomove in unison.

As discussed above, the sensors 55 may enable determining where the ridevehicle module is positioned in the ride and how to synchronously moveand connect with other ride vehicle modules, among other things. Thememory 56 and the storage 58 may be any suitable articles of manufacturethat can serve as media to store processor-executable code, data, or thelike. These articles of manufacture may represent tangible,computer-readable media (i.e., any suitable form of tangible memory orstorage) that may store the processor-executable code used by theprocessor 54 to perform the presently disclosed techniques. The memory56 and the storage 58 may also be used to store video and audio data.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4D, which include a set of perspective views ofembodiments of concealing the connection line between ride vehiclemodules, in accordance with the present disclosure. Generally, theconnection line between linked ride vehicle modules may be hiddenthrough the use of patterns, indentations, lighting/shadowing,overlapping materials (e.g., carpet), and so forth, on the surface ofthe ride vehicle modules' platforms. Concealing the connection linebetween the ride vehicle modules enhances the appearance that the linkedride vehicle modules are a single uniform ride vehicle. The techniquesdescribed below may apply when the ride vehicle modules are linkedside-by-side and/or front-to-back.

With the foregoing in mind, FIG. 4A depicts ride vehicle modules 12 and14 linked side-by-side. In some embodiments, a ride vehicle module'splatform surface may include lines 60, which may be rails of tracklighting that create a walkway. As may be appreciated, such a walkwaymay resemble those typically seen in airplanes and/or movie theaters. Inother embodiments, the lines 60 may be indented grooves in the platformthat may be darkened (e.g., with paint, shadows), deep, and so forth. Asdepicted, the connection line 62 between ride vehicle modules 12 and 14is immediately adjacent to lines 60 so the crack where the two platformsmeet may appear to be integrated with the installation of the tracklighting or just another indented groove. The track lighting may beutilized to cast a shadow over the connection line 62 for additionaldisguise. Further, the sides of the platforms may be designed to bewedged 64. The wedged platforms may fit together in a way that preventslight from emanating from the bottom of the ride vehicle modules andexposing the connection line 62, among other things. Also, as discussedabove, the distance between the seats 22 and the connection line 62(e.g., breakaway point) may be a sufficient distance 66 to prevent anyobstructions when linking (e.g., connecting) the ride vehicle modulestogether during the course of the ride.

In another embodiment, FIG. 4B depicts concealing the connection line 62between the side-by-side linked ride vehicle modules 12 and 14 byutilizing a zig-zag pattern. The pattern may be a part of carpetinstalled on the surface of the ride vehicle modules' platforms, paintedon the surface of the ride vehicle modules' platforms, indented asgrooves on the surface of the ride vehicle modules' platforms, or thelike. The pattern may cover the entire platform surface or only aportion of it. The carpet or paint may use dark colors (e.g., black,gray) in order to mask the connection line 62. Additionally, if thezig-zags are indented grooves, the grooves may also be darkened withpaint and/or shadowing. The sides of the platforms may be designed to bezig-zagged so the corresponding teeth may interlock when linkedtogether.

In another embodiment, FIG. 4C depicts concealing the connection line 62between the side-by-side linked ride vehicle modules 12 and 14 byutilizing an interlocking square pattern. The pattern may be a part ofcarpet installed on the surface of the ride vehicle modules' platforms,painted on the surface of the ride vehicle modules' platforms, indentedas grooves on the surface of the ride vehicle modules' platforms, or thelike. The pattern may cover the entire platform surface or only aportion of it. The carpet or paint may use dark colors (e.g., black,gray) in order to mask the connection line 62. Additionally, if theinterlocking squares are indented grooves, the grooves may also bedarkened with paint and/or shadowing. The sides of the platforms may bedesigned to be interlocking squares so the corresponding teeth fittogether when linked.

In yet another embodiment, the platform surface of one of the ridevehicle modules may include a flap that extends onto a connected ridevehicle module in order to cover the connection line 62 completely. Thisflap may be made of carpet, rubber, and the like. It may include apattern that blends in with a pattern included across the surfaces ofthe linked ride vehicle modules' platforms so that the platforms appearto be unified.

FIG. 4D depicts ride vehicle modules 12, 14, 16, and 18 that are linkedtogether side-to-side and front-to-back. In this embodiment, theside-to-side connection line 62 and the front-to-back connection line 68is hidden as part of a checkered pattern. As described above, thecheckered pattern may be a part of carpet installed on the surface ofthe ride vehicle modules' platforms, painted on the surface of the ridevehicle modules' platforms, indented as grooves on the surface of theride vehicle modules' platforms, or the like. The carpet or paint mayuse dark colors (e.g., black, gray) in order to mask the connection line62 as a border. Additionally, if the lines that make up the checkeredpattern are indented grooves, the grooves may also be darkened withpaint and/or shadowing. This may aid in disguising the connection lines62 and 68 as part of the pattern so a patron gets the impression thatthe assembled ride vehicle modules 12, 14, 16, and 18 are actually oneuniform and completely integral ride vehicle.

Now turning to how the ride vehicle modules physically link together,FIGS. 5A-5M include a set of perspective views of embodiments of theinterlock system that may be utilized by the ride vehicle modules toperform linking operations, in accordance with the present disclosure.The disclosed embodiments of the interlock system may be installed onthe sides, front, and/or back of each of the ride vehicle modules. Insome embodiments, the interlock system may be controlled by the ridevehicle circuitry 50 included on the ride vehicle module. For example,the ride vehicle circuitry 50 may receive feedback when the ride vehiclemodules are fully locked into place. The feedback may be obtained viasensors (e.g., proximity sensors) installed on the sides, front, and/orback of the ride vehicles. Using this information, the ride vehiclecircuitry 50 may communicate with the locked ride vehicle modules to actas a uniform ride vehicle. Likewise, the ride vehicle circuitry 50 mayreceive feedback (e.g., via sensors) when the ride vehicle modules aredelinked. Using this information, the ride vehicle circuitry 50 maycontinue to operate the ride vehicle module in unison with any remainingconnected ride vehicle modules, or if the ride vehicle module is byitself, to operate the ride vehicle module independently. Further, theinterlock system enables the ride vehicle modules functioning as anintegrated unit by rigidly and solidly locking them together.

FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of an interlock system including aT-screw rail lock 70. The T-screws 72 may be installed on a first ridevehicle and retracted parallel to the floor until needed. When triggeredor directed to connect to an approaching ride vehicle module by the ridevehicle circuitry 50, the T-screws 72 may extended to fit through a rail74 in the approaching ride vehicle module and rotate to lock, as shown.The first ride vehicle module may then retract the T-screws 72 to bringthe connected vehicle modules together as close as possible. TheT-screws rail lock 70 may include thick rubber pads 76 that resist theturning of the T-screws 72 and provide a strong hold inside of the rail74 to manage alignment, among other things. The T-screws 72 may berotated again when directed to delink from a connected ride vehiclemodule and the T-screws 72 may retract to their original position. Thismay enable a quick disconnection between ride vehicle modules. It shouldbe noted that each ride vehicle module may include the T-screws 72and/or the rail 74 installed in any combination in its sides, front,and/or back to enhance modularity.

In an alternate embodiment, FIGS. 5B-5C illustrate an interlock systemincluding a bolt lock 80. As depicted in FIG. 5B, a locking member 82may be installed on a first ride vehicle module 84 and a bolt 86 may beinstalled internally on a second ride vehicle module 88. When triggeredor directed to connect to the second ride vehicle module 88 by the ridevehicle circuitry 50, the lock member 82 may be guided through anopening 90 in the second ride vehicle module 88. Thereafter, the bolt 86may be inserted through the lock to close and hold the ride vehiclemodules 84 and 88 in place, as shown in FIG. 5C. The bolt 86 may beremoved from the locking member 82 when directed to delink from aconnected ride vehicle module and the locking member 82 may be retractedfrom the second ride vehicle module 88 by the first ride vehicle module84 disengaging. A plurality of the bolt 86 and/or locking member 82 maybe disposed along the sides, front, and back of the ride vehicle moduleas desired to strengthen the connection.

In another embodiment, FIGS. 5D-5E illustrate an interlock systemincluding an electromagnetic lock 94 installed on the ride vehiclemodules. When triggered or directed to connect to another ride vehiclemodule by the ride vehicle circuitry 50, the electromagnets 96 may besupplied a current to pull the desired ride vehicle modules together, asshown in FIG. 5E. When directed to delink, the supplied current to theelectromagnets 96 may be turned off and the ride vehicle modules mayseparate and be operated independently or in unison with any remainingconnected ride vehicle modules. A plurality of the electromagnets 96 maybe disposed along the sides, front, and back of the ride vehicle moduleas desired to strengthen the connection.

In another embodiment, FIGS. 5F-5G illustrate an interlock systemincluding a slide lock 100. As depicted in FIG. 5F, a bolt 102 may beinstalled on a first vehicle module 104 and a recess 106 may beinstalled internally on a second ride vehicle module 108. When triggeredor directed to perform linking operations by the ride vehicle circuitry50, the bolt 102 may be inserted into and lowered down into the recess106 of the second ride vehicle module 108 by a mechanism, as shown inFIG. 5G. When directed to delink, the mechanism may be directed to raisethe bolt 102 and withdraw from the recess 106 of the second ride vehiclemodule 108. A plurality of the slide locks 100 may be disposed along thesides, front, and back of the ride vehicle module as desired tostrengthen the connection.

In another embodiment, FIG. 5H illustrates an interlock system includinga drop pin connector lock 110. As depicted in FIG. 5H, connectors 112may be attached to and extend from a first ride vehicle module 114 andanother connector 112 may be attached to and extend from a second ridevehicle module 116. When triggered or directed to link by the ridevehicle circuitry 50, the connectors 112 of both the first and secondride vehicle modules 114 and 116 may align and a mechanism on either thefirst ride vehicle module 114 or second ride vehicle module 116 mayinsert a drop pin 118 through the connectors 112 to lock. When directedto delink, the drop pin 118 may be removed from the connectors 112 bythe mechanism and the ride vehicle modules may separate, therebydisconnecting the connectors 112. A plurality of the drop pins 118 andconnectors 112 may be disposed along the sides, front, and back of theride vehicle modules as desired to strengthen the connection.

FIGS. 6A and 6B include perspective views of an embodiment of anairplane ride vehicle 130 and illustrate its delinking capability inaccordance with the present disclosure. As depicted in FIG. 6A, theairplane ride vehicle 130 includes two linked ride vehicle modules 132and 134, walls 136, and ceilings 138. Each ride vehicle module 132 and134 may include a plurality of seats 22 arranged in various sizedgroups. The airplane ride vehicle 130 may be facing a display screen 140or the display screen 140 may be attached to each ride vehicle module132 and 134. In this embodiment, the connection line 142 splits twocolumns of seats 22 down the aisle between them. The techniquespreviously discussed regarding concealing the connection line 142 may beutilized. It should be noted that there may be any number of columns ofseats 22 if other ride vehicle modules are attached side-by-side. Also,there may be other ride vehicle modules attached to the front and/orback of ride vehicle modules 132 and 134. Indeed, numerous ride vehiclemodules may be linked and their connection lines may be concealed sothat the ride vehicles appear to be one large airplane ride vehicle 130that operates as a single integrated unit. For example, the front of theairplane ride vehicle 130 may pitch up and the back of the airplane ridevehicle 130 may pitch down when simulating a takeoff.

The airplane ride vehicle 130 may or may not include motion base systemsattached to each modular ride vehicle. Each ride vehicle module linkedtogether in the airplane ride vehicle 130 includes wheels 144 thatenable it to drive and/or connect to roller coaster track throughout thecourse of the ride. Further, the walls 136 and the ceilings 138 may bejoined together in a way that patrons may not realize that they breakapart. For example, the connection line 146 may resemble the connectionlines typically on airplanes where two exterior panels of metal areconnected. That is, on the exterior, both the walls 136 and the ceilings138 may contain bolts or fasteners near the connection line 146 toresemble a real airplane. Then, on the interior, the connection line 146may appear as an indentation where two wall panels come together.Similar techniques described above with regards to the platform surfaceconnection line camouflaging may be utilized, such as shadowing,patterns, and so forth. As a result, upon entering the ride vehicle inits fully clustered configuration, patrons may be under the illusionthat the walls and the ceilings are going to remain intact as a unitthroughout the ride experience.

FIG. 6B describes the airplane ride vehicle's capabilities to delink theride vehicle modules 132 and 134. Further, the depicted embodimentillustrates the ride vehicle modules' ceilings 138 being detachableand/or removable. As previously described, the ride vehicle circuitryincluded in each of the ride vehicle modules may execute instructions tophysically disconnect (e.g., delink) from another ride vehicle module.This may be triggered by a certain event that occurs during a ride. Forexample, the airplane ride vehicle 130 may crash into a mountain orenter a massive storm that causes it to break apart, among other things.The airplane ride vehicle 130 may then split anywhere that the ridevehicle modules are connected as desired (e.g., side-to-side,front-to-back).

The illustration shows the airplane ride vehicle 130 splitting down themiddle vertically, but it should be understood that the techniquesdisclosed herein enable the airplane ride vehicle 130 to break apart inany number of ways (e.g., through the middle, horizontally). Each ridevehicle module 132 and 134 may operate independently after it isdelinked from the other ride vehicle module. This may allow each ridevehicle module 132 and 134 to travel down separate paths in the ride.For example, the ride vehicle module 132 may fall down the mountain thatthe airplane crashes into by attaching to a roller coaster anddescending, while the other ride vehicle module 134 may land in aforest. The ride vehicle module 134 may further encounter an animatronicdinosaur 148 that rips off the ceiling 138. The jagged line 146represents the connection line between the ceilings 138 and the walls136 where the two may disconnect. It should also be noted that the wallsmay break away as well, by retracting underneath the ride vehicles,being physically removed, or the like. Also, both ride vehicle modules132 and 134 may be moved onto and off of motion base systems and/orpositioned in simulators throughout the ride. In this way, each ridevehicle module 132 and 134 may experience different simulations and/ormovements that provide different experiences in the same ride.

Additionally, FIGS. 7A and 7B include perspective views of an embodimentof a movie theater ride vehicle 150 and illustrate its delinkingcapability in accordance with the present disclosure. As depicted inFIG. 7A, the movie theater ride vehicle 150 includes four linked ridevehicle modules 152, 154, 156, and 158 linked at connection lines 160.The movie theater ride vehicle 150 may include walls and ceilings(represented by dashed lines 162) and a plurality of entrance ways 164and exit ways 166. However, in some embodiments, the walls and ceiling162 may not be connected to the ride vehicle modules 152, 154, 156, and158. Each ride vehicle module 152, 154, 156, and 158 may include aplurality of seats 22 arranged in various sized groups. The movietheater ride vehicle 150 may be facing a video display screen 140.Alternatively, each ride vehicle module 152, 154, 156, and 158 mayinclude onboard simulators (not shown) including audio and video displayscreens 140. In some embodiments, the ride vehicle modules may utilizethe techniques previously discussed regarding hiding the platform 46surface connection lines 160. As depicted, the connection lines 160 arenot visible on the surface of the ride vehicle modules' platforms 46. Asa result, patrons may perceive the room as a regular movie theater. Thatis, the patrons may not even realize that they have entered a ride atall. Instead, patrons may be under the impression that they are in somesort of movie simulator that does not move or break apart.

It should be noted that there may be any number of ride vehicle modulesattached side-to-side and/or front-to-back, and they may contain anynumber of seats 22 as desired. Indeed, numerous ride vehicle modules maybe linked and their connection lines may be concealed so that the ridevehicle modules appear to be one large movie theater. Further, thelinked ride vehicle modules' circuitry 50 may enable synchronizedoperation as a single integrated movie theater ride vehicle 150. Forexample, the front of the move theater ride vehicle 150 may pitch up andthe back of the movie theater ride vehicle 150 may simultaneously pitchdown repeatedly when simulating an earthquake, tremor, or the like.

The movie theater ride vehicle 150 may or may not include motion basesystems 44 attached to each ride vehicle module 152, 154, 156, and 158.However, in the depicted embodiment, the movie theater ride vehicle 150does include motion base systems 44 attached to each ride vehicle module152, 154, 156, and 158. The motion base systems 44 may include thetraction system (e.g., wheels) 48 that enable driving and/or connectingto roller coaster tracks throughout the course of the ride. Further, thewalls and ceiling 162 may be joined together in a way that patrons maynot realize that they break apart. For example, the connection lines mayresemble the connection lines typically seen in connected walls andceiling in a room. Alternatively, curtains typically utilized in movietheater rooms may cover the connection lines. Similar techniquesdescribed above with regards to the platform 46 surface connection linecamouflaging may be utilized, such as shadowing, patterns, and so forthto disguise the connection lines between the walls and the ceiling. As aresult, patrons entering the fully cluster of vehicle modules may beunder the illusion that the walls and the ceilings are going to remainintact as a unit throughout the experience.

FIG. 7B illustrates the movie theater ride vehicle's capability todelink the ride vehicle modules 152, 154, 156, and 158. Further, theride vehicle modules' walls and/or ceiling 162 previously shown may bedetachable and/or removable. In some embodiments, the walls and/orceiling 162 may be removed by a robot, mechanical arm, or the like.Alternatively, the walls may retract underneath the ride vehicle modulesor the walls may not be connected to the ride vehicle modules at all. Aspreviously described, the ride vehicle circuitry 50 included in each ofthe ride vehicle modules may execute instructions to physicallydisconnect (e.g., perform delinking operations) from a connected ridevehicle module. This may be triggered by a certain event that occursduring a simulation in a ride. For example, the movie theater ridevehicle 150 may simulate a natural disaster that may affect normal movietheaters, such as an earthquake, tremor or the like, or the videodisplay screen 140 may be showing a meteor shower in a three-dimensionalsimulation and a stray meteorite could “crash” into the screen 140. Inany scenario, the movie theater ride vehicle 150 may then split anywherethat the ride vehicle modules 152, 154, 156, and 158 are connected asdesired (e.g., side-to-side, front-to-back, along a diagonal, along acurve, along multiple interfaces).

The illustration shows the movie theater ride vehicle 150 splittingside-to-side and front-to-back, thereby freeing all ride vehicle modules152, 154, 156, and 158. Each ride vehicle module may operateindependently after it is delinked from the other ride vehicle modules.This may allow each ride vehicle module to travel down separate paths inthe ride. More specifically, each ride vehicle modules' circuitry 50 mayindependently control their own motion base system 44 to move (e.g.,drive) the ride vehicle modules in desired directions. Further, themotion base system 44 may be synchronized with an onboard simulator (notshown) to roll, pitch, yaw, surge, heave, and/or sway (e.g., six degreesof freedom motion). For example, the ride vehicle modules 152, 154, 156,and 158 may all travel down different paths, and one ride vehicle modulemay speed off through simulated streets in a downtown city trying toescape an earthquake while another ride vehicle attaches to a rollercoaster and flies away from a simulated tornado, alien spacecraft,dinosaur, or the like, in an airplane. All the while, the motion basesystems 44 vibrate and modulate in sync with the events occurring in theonboard simulator. In this way, each ride vehicle module 152, 154, 156,and 158 may experience different simulations and/or movements thatprovide different experiences in the same ride.

To help illustrate the different paths that the ride vehicle modules maytraverse, FIGS. 8A-8C include a set of top views of ride vehicle modulesconfiguring cluster size by performing linking operations during thecourse of a ride. It should be noted that each ride vehicle module mayinclude one or more seats. Further, the connection lines between eachride vehicle module may not be visible on the surface of the platformsof the ride vehicle modules to the patrons due to the techniquesdescribed above being utilized. FIG. 8A illustrates a uniform ridevehicle 170 at the beginning of a ride. For example, uniform ridevehicle 170 may be the airplane ride vehicle or movie theater ridevehicle previously discussed, or it may be any other uniform ridevehicle 170 that includes one or more linked ride vehicle modules 172.At an initial time (t1), some event triggers the uniform ride vehicle170 to perform delinking operations and separate into two differentintermediate uniform ride vehicles 174 and 176 including one or moreride vehicle modules 172. Utilizing ride vehicle circuitry 50, theintermediate uniform ride vehicles 174 and 176 may operate as integratedunits and be driven or moved down separate paths. As may be seen, theintermediate uniform ride vehicle 174 may travel down path 178 and theintermediate uniform ride vehicle 176 may travel down path 180.

As previously discussed, both paths 178 and 180 may include differentstories, simulations, and movements. Indeed, either or both paths mayinclude rollercoaster tracks that the intermediate uniform ride vehicles174 and/or 176 may connect to, water chutes and/or water bodies that theintermediate uniform ride vehicles 174 and/or 176 may float through,pavement that the intermediate uniform ride vehicles 174 and/or 176 maydrive on, and so forth. Likewise, the audio and visual elements that theintermediate uniform ride vehicles 174 and 176 experience may bedifferent, as well.

Further, FIG. 8B describes a top view further down path 178 where, at asecond time (t2), another event may cause the intermediate uniform ridevehicle 174 to delink and break apart into two different intermediateuniform ride vehicles 182 and 184. Each intermediate uniform ridevehicle 182 and 184 may subsequently travel down different paths. Forexample, the intermediate uniform ride vehicle 182 may travel down path186 and the intermediate uniform ride vehicle 184 may travel down path188. Here, again, each intermediate uniform ride vehicle 182 and 184 mayexperience different stories, simulations, and/or movements. As may beappreciated, the intermediate uniform ride vehicles may continue tobreak apart until only a single ride vehicle module remains. Each timethe intermediate uniform ride vehicle splits apart the resulting ridevehicle (e.g., single ride vehicle module or subset of modules) mayobtain different experiences. This may encourage re-riding theattraction multiple times to experience all the different paths.

At some point in the ride, it may be desirable to re-link the ridevehicle modules. Thus, FIG. 8C describes two intermediate uniform ridevehicles 190 and 192 performing linking operations at a third time (t3)to reconnect. Time t3 may be in response to some event that occursduring the ride that may be part of the story in a simulation. Forexample, in a ride where the patrons and ride vehicles are blood cellsin the human body traveling through veins, the blood cells may reunitewhen coming to an artery, or the like. Or, in a ride where the patronsand ride vehicles are fighter jets, the fighter jets may return to theaircraft carrier at the end of a mission. Thus, the intermediate uniformride vehicles 190 and 192 may re-link to provide the requisiteimpression as uniform ride vehicle 194. At this point, the ride mayterminate and the patrons may exit the uniform ride vehicle 194.

In other embodiments, the separated ride vehicle clusters may unload thepatrons separately in different exit bays and the ride vehicles may notreunite for the next ride cycle until after the patrons have exited.Further, there may be other points throughout the ride where the ridevehicle clusters perform linking operations to change the size of thecluster that they are traveling in. In any embodiment, it should beunderstood that the ride vehicle modules are enabled to increase anddecrease the size of the cluster that they are traveling throughout thecourse of a ride. As a result, a patron may ride the attraction severaltimes and experience something new depending on which uniform ridevehicle, cluster, or ride vehicle module they are seated in.

In addition, a block diagram of a process 200 for operating the ridevehicle modules is depicted in FIG. 9. The process 200 may includedetermining the cluster size (process block 202), setting the clustersize (process block 204), and performing ride vehicle linking operations(process block 206). More specifically, determining the cluster size(process block 202) may be performed by the ride vehicles' circuitry 50(e.g., processors) of a plurality of ride vehicle modules communicatingwith one another throughout a ride. For example, at a certain time inthe ride, an event may occur in a simulation or as part of the coursethat triggers a uniform ride vehicle or cluster to break apart, and theride vehicles' circuitry 50 may determine how many ride vehicle modulesto include in the broken up cluster(s). The size of the clusters may bestored in a tangible, non-transitory media (e.g. memory) that isassociated with the specific time/event in the course of the ride thatmay be accessed by the ride vehicle circuitry 50. As a result, the ridevehicles' circuitry 50 may set the cluster size (process block 204)accordingly. Then, the ride vehicle modules that need to delink andbreak apart may perform delinking operations to separate into thedetermined cluster sizes (process block 206).

Likewise, the process 200 may be utilized when the cluster size needs toincrease. For example, at a certain time in the ride, an event may occurthat triggers one or more clusters (e.g., intermediate uniform ridevehicles) to perform linking operations to reconnect. The ride vehicles'circuitry 50 may determine the size of the cluster(s) (process block202), which may include determining how many ride vehicle modules tolink together utilizing the techniques described herein. Then, inprocess block 204, the ride vehicles' circuitry 50 sets the cluster sizeand, in process block 206, the ride vehicle modules perform linkingoperations accordingly in order to achieve the desired sized cluster(s).

While only certain features of the present disclosure have beenillustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes willoccur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understoodthat the appended claims are intended to cover all such modificationsand changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a plurality of ridevehicle modules, wherein each of the plurality of ride vehicle modulescomprises: an interlock system configured to perform linking operationsto join to other ride vehicle modules to form a cluster and delinkingoperations to separate from the other ride vehicle modules throughout aride, wherein the plurality of ride vehicle modules in the clusterdefine a uniform ride vehicle which defines a common interior space ofthe uniform ride vehicle; control circuitry configured to control theinterlock system and movement of the ride vehicle module independentlyor as a part of the cluster; and communication circuitry configured towirelessly communicate with the other ride vehicle modules internaland/or external to the cluster; wherein the system is configured tochange a size of the cluster throughout the ride by performing thelinking and delinking operations as desired via the control circuitry ofeach of the plurality of ride vehicle modules controlling its interlocksystem and via the communication circuitry coordinating the operationsbetween the plurality of ride vehicle modules.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein at least a portion of the plurality of ride vehicle modules areconfigured to be linked in such a way that connection lines areconcealed on a surface of the cluster.
 3. The system of claim 2, whereinthe connection lines are concealed using techniques comprising patterns,shadowing, indentation, lighting, wedging, overlapping materials, or acombination thereof.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the cluster isconfigured to travel in unison as the uniform ride vehicle bycoordinating movements between the plurality ride vehicle modulesutilizing the control and communication circuitry.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the interlock system comprises a T-screw rail system, aslide lock system, a drop-pin connector lock system, an electromagneticlock system, a bolt lock system, or some combination thereof.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of ride vehicle modulescomprises a drive system, a traction system, and a navigation systemthat cooperate together to drive the ride vehicle module independentlyand/or as a part of the cluster throughout the ride without a fixedtrack.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of ridevehicle modules comprises a drive system, a traction system, and anavigation system that cooperate together to drive the ride vehiclemodule independently and/or as a part of the cluster through differentpaths in the ride.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of theplurality of ride vehicle modules comprises an attached motion basesystem and an onboard simulator, the motion base system configured topitch, roll, yaw, surge, heave, and/or sway in sync with the onboardsimulator's events.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the controlcircuitry utilizes data obtained via a plurality of sensors attached toat least one side of the ride vehicle module to synchronously operatethe ride vehicle module with the other ride vehicle modules whenperforming the linking and delinking operations via the communicationcircuitry.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of theplurality of ride vehicle modules comprises a navigation systemconfigured to track the position and location thereof in the ride byutilizing techniques comprising laser-guided, wire-guided, gyroscopic,or some combination thereof.
 11. A system, comprising: a plurality ofride vehicle modules configured to synchronously join to each other in acluster via an interlock system installed on one or more sides of eachmodular ride vehicle; wherein the plurality of ride vehicle modulesforming the cluster define a uniform ride vehicle which defines a commoninterior space of the uniform ride vehicle; wherein the plurality ofride vehicle modules in the cluster are configured to move in unison asthe uniform ride vehicle via onboard control and communicationcircuitry, and the cluster is configured to change sizes by linkingother ride vehicle modules or delinking from previously joined ridevehicle modules throughout a ride.
 12. The system of claim 11, whereinthe plurality of ride vehicle modules are seamlessly joined together inthe cluster so that any connection lines between joined ride vehiclemodules are concealed on a surface of the cluster.
 13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the connection lines are concealed using techniquescomprising patterns, shadowing, indentation, lighting, wedging,overlapping materials, or a combination thereof.
 14. The system of claim11, wherein the onboard control circuitry is configured to operate thecluster as the uniform ride vehicle by designating an automationcontroller of one ride vehicle module in the cluster as a master and theremaining automation controllers of other ride vehicle modules in thecluster as slaves, the master communicating information relating to thecontrol of the cluster to the slaves via the communication circuitry.15. The system of claim 11, wherein the control circuitry is configuredto operate the ride vehicle module independently or as a part of thecluster in unison with the other joined ride vehicle modules to drivedown a plurality of paths in the ride.
 16. The system of claim 11,wherein at least one of the plurality of ride vehicle modules isconfigured to drive onto a motion base system located along a path ofthe ride.
 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the interlock systemcomprises a T-screw rail system, a slide lock system, a drop-pinconnector lock system, an electromagnetic lock system, a bolt locksystem, or some combination thereof.
 18. A method, comprising:determining, via control circuitry, a desired size of one or moreclusters of ride vehicle modules throughout a ride; setting, via controlcircuitry and communication circuitry, the size of the one or moreclusters; and controlling, via control circuitry configured to controlan interlock system installed on each of the ride vehicle modules andcommunication circuitry configured to communicate between the ridevehicle modules, linking and delinking operations via the interlocksystems based on the set size of the one or more clusters throughout theride, wherein the ride vehicle modules forming each of the respectiveone or more clusters define a respective uniform ride vehicle whichdefines a common interior space of the respective uniform ride vehicle.19. The method of claim 18, wherein the determination of the size of theone or more clusters of ride vehicle modules is made in response to anevent that occurs as a part of a simulation in the ride and comprisesaccessing the cluster size that is stored on a non-transitory computerreadable medium on the ride vehicle modules.
 20. The method of claim 18,wherein the control circuitry controls the linking and delinkingoperations via the interlock systems by processing data input by atleast one sensor installed on a side of each of the ride vehicle modulesand coordinating the operations of the interlock systems between theride vehicle modules to link or delink via the communication circuitryaccordingly.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or moreclusters are configured to operate in unison as the respective uniformride vehicles by coordinating movements of each associated ride vehiclemodule in the respective one or more clusters via the correspondingcontrol and communication circuitry.
 22. The method of claim 18, whereinthe one or more clusters are configured to travel down different pathsin the ride.
 23. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or moreclusters are configured to move throughout the ride without a fixedtrack by utilizing navigation systems installed on each of the ridevehicle modules.